Most folks would agree that ice tea is The drink of Summer. With some simple prepping, gourmet ice tea can be done in a jiffy. However, it doesn't get any easier than a cold infusion with your favorite loose leaf! No kettle to boil, no sunny spot required for large jars, barely any effort. Just water and tea, infuser basket optional.

Although providing an incredibly refreshing beverage, cold infusion isn't necessarily the same cup you may be used to when brewing with hot water. The resulting liquor tends to be a bit lighter, as the tea is extracted more slowly. Some find a cold infusion less acidic with many more of the subtle flavors coming out, which lends to more excitement in the experience.

Cold method brewing techniques vary quite a bit and are fairly flexible. This is where you get to really hone in on what thrills your own taste buds. You can brew it by the pitcher or by the glass. Brew for a few minutes, a couple hours, or over night in the fridge. Leave the tea leaves in the brew or try an infuser basket to be able to remove the leaves at will. Here are a few ideas to experiment with in your cold brewing adventure.

• Time to play: try the tea infusion at 15 minutes in, then an hour later, then at a couple hours. Put in the fridge and see what it's like the next day.
• Cup by cup: simply use cold filtered water in a tall tumbler with some ice; add tea leaves and stir.
• Fresh additions: add some freshly cut herbs or fruit to the tea for additional flavor layers.
• Filter or no filter: A delicate, premium loose leaf can simply remain in the water without getting bitter, allowing it to fully open and infuse. Some hardier leaves may be a bit strong for that, so using a filtering system is more appropriate. Bag your own, basket it, press it, or strain it.

Most importantly, have fun with it! Just think, there are no rules; go crazy and enjoy! Let us know which teas are your favorites to cold infuse.

A friend dropped by the shop yesterday to say hello, and of course, grab some tea to go. She was intrigued by our sign about the upcoming Kombucha Class this Saturday. She commented on how her grandma had it brewing all the time. "All Russian Grandmothers had a jar of it; it's what we drank." In Russia however, the concoction was known by another name. No surprise. This ancient elixir was a staple throughout China, India and Russia...and spread to the rest of the world.

Personally, I was introduced to Kombucha just this year. From the first bottle, I was hooked. I could sense an immediate effect in my body as it seemed to clear my head, fuel my energy, and pick up my mood that dull afternoon. The next day, I could tell my body was yearning for it! That's when I knew I had to bring it into the shop to have available for customers to enjoy as well.

Kombucha is a tea beverage that is fermented with healthy bacteria and yeast. Its benefits are touted world wide; it's no wonder it has been catching on in the States as the latest craze. People have had amazing results from reducing headaches, relieving chronic pain issues, boosting immune system, enhanced digestion, to eliminating candida, gout and kidney stones.

We are so excited for the upcoming class this Saturday! (Please note that our regularly scheduled Tea Class will not be held, but commence the following week.) Our special guest from Kombuchick Inc in Virginia Beach will be making a trip up to introduce Williamsburg to the history, benefits, and brewing methods of Kombucha. I'll keep the details for her to share. There is still room to join in, so contact us to reserve your spot! Cost is $75, which covers the class as well as a brew kit to take home to begin your own home brew.

Blended with Love, Steeped in Gratitude

Chris Farishon

DiscoverTeas